"Yes, I want you to heal first," Layla said softly. "But more than anything, I just want us to escape somewhere far away—someplace where no one can reach you or hurt you anymore."
Lucius gave her a small smile, shaking his head. "She won't come back," he assured her despite the lingering unease in his eyes. "Let's stay here until I've fully recovered. We don't need to go anywhere just yet."
Reluctantly, Layla nodded. "Alright," she agreed though her gaze lingered on the horizon as if imagining the freedom she had hoped for them.
Lucius turned his attention to the bouquet in his hand as a memory surfaced. "I remember the first time I bought a bouquet from the florist shop where you worked," he said, his voice laced with fondness. "You looked so adorable that day, standing behind the counter, completely focused on arranging flowers. I couldn't stop staring."
